The situation at the Marneuli #48 precinct inside as well as adjacent territory is extremely intense. Dozens of citizens equipped with stones and bats were mobilized at the adjacent territory, of the polling station, who attempted to break into the polling station. The building was damaged, windows broken and the activists gathered outside attempted to enter the building. Police was present at the spot, however, in insufficient number, not being able sustain the attack of the aggressive mob. The video camera of the TV channel “Imedi” was damaged.  

The representatives of the Georgian Dream and the United National Movement are blaming each other for inflaming the situation. According to the information, aired in media, the representatives of the law-enforcements were physically harmed, among others, the head of the Marneuli police. According to the CEC, there was an attempt of stealing the mobile ballot box; however, as a result of the involvement of the election comission, the box was safeguarded.

Later the special unit forces arrived at the precinct. According to GYLA observer from the polling station #48, the gathered mob are planning to move to the surrounding polling stations and organize unrests. According to the observer, the gathered mob consists of the supporters of political union “United National Movement” and “Paata Burchuladze-State for the People”. The supporters were chanting “Misha” and “Imam” (the name of the majoritarian candidate of UNM).

According to GYLA observer, the situation is escalating in Tbilisi (Ponichala), at the precincts #29. 30 and 31 of which, the sportsmen, supporters of UNM and the police are gathered. There is a danger of the further escalation.

GYLA calls on the

Stakeholders of the electrocal process—to maximally refrain from any kind of violence, observe the law and to discourage their supporters from gathering at the adjacent territories of the polling station. This is vital to ensure the peaceful and safe work environment for the precinct commissions. 

Lawenformenect agencies – to ensure timely response to any kind of violent incident and ensure peaceful electoral environemnt.